Blue ribbons remind people of the need for more foster care

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MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- There is a critical need for foster care in Milwaukee County. On Monday, August 5th, a group of people took to the streets to raise awareness, and get more people involved.

Volunteers from Milwaukee area businesses and members of the community tied dozens of blue ribbons to the street lamps along Wisconsin Avenue near the Grand Avenue shops.

"I can make a difference in somebody's life. By just putting a ribbon, somebody will see it and it may make a difference. That’s all you can hope for," said 2nd time volunteer Jeffery Russell.

Each blue ribbon has a number to call on it, so people can get more information on becoming a foster parent. Officials with Children’s Hospital Community Services say there are more than 2,000 kids in Milwaukee County in foster care right now, many who are in group homes. But it’s not just about finding quantity that’s important, organizers are looking for quality foster parents, which is why they say they target the downtown community.

“We’re not just looking for any old foster parent, we’re looking for people who can care for some of the most vulnerable children, children with special needs, or medical needs as well, and also people who are good at taking in sibling groups, so that’s really where we struggle with finding people,” said Langston Verdin with Children’s Hospital Community Services.

It’s the group’s 4th year tying these ribbons downtown by the Grand Avenue Mall, and already they’re expanding their efforts. Once they finished downtown, they are moving towards the State Fairgrounds in West Allis.